Assistant Professor and Director of the Digital Fabrications Lab

The O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University welcomes applications from qualified candidates to fill a new tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 1, 2022.  The teaching responsibilities of this full-time faculty position are focused on teaching contemporary digital technologies and directing operations of the digital fabrication lab, ensuring thoughtful assistance to students and faculty using the equipment effectively to explore, develop and present their work. The Director will report to the Dean or Associate Dean of the College.

The Department of Architecture seeks a caring educator who gives thoughtful assistance to students and collaborates with faculty colleagues to explore, develop, and present design ideas within the framework of a comprehensive curriculum.  Candidates will join a collaborative faculty environment to build courses that enhance the educational mission of the University and College, with clarity of focus in meeting both NAAB accreditation criteria and Belmont University’s standards for excellence in teaching and learning.

Requirements include a terminal degree in a field appropriate to the College with programs in architecture, fashion, and interior design. Applicants who lack an appropriate terminal degree, but who possess exceptional experience or training in the field, should provide full documentation as part of their application. As all Belmont undergraduates complete an innovative general education program with significant interdisciplinary components, Belmont University is particularly seeking applicants who can demonstrate the interest and ability to work collaboratively in course design and to teach interdisciplinary and topical courses in this program.  For additional information about the position and to complete the online application, candidates are directed to https://jobs.belmont.edu. An electronic version of a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, Teaching Philosophy, and a Response to Belmont’s Mission, Vision, Values, and “Five Ways of Being” must be attached to complete the online application.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:         

• Engaging in activities to support the mission, vision, and values of the university, college, and department, including through pedagogical practices

• Balancing workload between role of Director of the fabrication lab and college faculty teaching in in the area of expertise.

Workload hours are calculated based on course type, Studio or Lecture. Typical halftime course load per semester: one advanced studio, two lecture-discussion/seminar courses OR a combination of the two.  

• Operation and technical support of 3D printers, laser cutters, and other emerging technologies (interests in and/or experience with virtual reality and AI applications for the design professions is desirable)
• Software knowledge including, but not limited to Autodesk platforms, Rhino, and other compatible modeling and rendering platforms.
• Engaging in activities to support the mission, vision, and values of the university and college, including through pedagogical practices
• Developing timeline of classes and assessments for each course; coordinating syllabi and schedules with other faculty when teaching cross-listed and multiple-section courses
• Submitting grades in accordance with directives from the Provost’s Office
• Participating in departmental and college meetings; engaging in institutional service 
• Abiding by all relevant university and/or department procedures and policies as published online in the Faculty Handbook and in other venues, including scheduling regular office hours and providing students with reasonable communication throughout the workweek 
• Engaging in scholarly/creative activities, including developments in teaching and learning
• Taking part in recruitment and retention efforts for the college

The above statements describe the position’s essential responsibilities and requirements. They are not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be assigned to job incumbents.

Required Qualifications:       

• Enthusiasm for working in design-oriented programs situated within a liberal arts, mission-oriented university
• Demonstrated knowledge of content, principles, methods and current developments in the field of study
• Knowledge of contemporary instructional strategies and interest in expanding pedagogical expertise
• Ability to support, instruct, manage, motivate and evaluate undergraduate students
• Demonstrated familiarity with various software packages and Internet resources
• Willingness to learn and adopt University platforms, including the grade management system and Blackboard Ultra, and to integrate appropriate digital technologies into the teaching and learning process
• Capacity to manage diverse learning spaces, including conventional classrooms, studios, and labs, as appropriate to the position
• Ability to communicate clearly and interact collegially with students, colleagues and the general public in a professional manner
• Willingness to work collaboratively with colleagues in other disciplines
• Capacity to infuse classroom experience and course content with inter-departmental concerns for equity and sustainability

Preferences 

• Teaching experience at the college level
• Experience working in a design office or fabrication lab
• Facility in digital in digital/distance teaching and learning
• Capacity to contribute to University general education program by teaching part of the curriculum (e.g. First Year Seminar)

Located two miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 8,800 students who come from every state and 33 countries. Consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report for innovation and commitment to undergraduate teaching, Belmont brings together the best of liberal arts and professional education in a Christ-centered and student-focused community of learning and service. As a campus that aims to Let Hope Abound, the University is committed to producing graduates who are Hope Inspiring, Character Forming, Future Shaping, Community Engaging and Bridge Building people. With more than 115 areas of undergraduate study, 41 master’s programs and five doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon. Belmont University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse learning community of committed Christians from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. Consistent with applicable civil rights law, the University seeks employees of Christian faith who are committed to the mission of the University. Belmont’s Office of Human Resources will conduct ongoing evaluations of the means by which candidates for employment are sought, to the end that the pool of candidates will include qualified women, minorities, veterans and disabled individuals.

The O’More College of Architecture and Design (CAD) at Belmont University is a creative community that serves undergraduate students by providing professionally-oriented, liberal arts-based programs in Fashion Design and Merchandising, a CIDA-accredited program in Interior Design, and a new program in Architecture that anticipates accreditation by the NAAB in 2025. The facilities of the College include extensive studios that feature industry-standard equipment, flexible classroom/seminar space, a wood/model shop, and a digital fabrications lab. The curricula of all programs benefit from the University’s general education core to develop well-rounded, critical thinkers who can solve problems in diverse groups while focusing on subjects central to their disciplines. In addition to benefiting from this rich liberal arts tradition and curricula focused on professional preparation within a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment dedicated to creative exploration within a Christian environment, students have access to internship opportunities and study abroad programs. Preparing students for their chosen professions, CAD programs emphasize the values of sustainability in all its realms, equity, and service.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  For fullest consideration, please submit all materials by November 5. Questions concerning the position or application materials may be directed to Shari Fox, Associate Dean, shari.fox@belmont.edu.

The selected candidate will be required to complete a background check satisfactory to the University.

Belmont University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.